The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-11-19

story he was expecting to go to dis
tant city II can't stand IL any longer
here" he said to his sister. al must
see If new surroundings will not help
me to forget"
Alice was wishing and praying with
all her heart that something would hap
pen to right matters and keep her dear
brother home, but there seemed no
prospect, and the matter was weighing
upon her mind so heavily that upon
the day in question she had forced her.
self to take holiday, calling upon her
West End friends.
As Alice now closely followed and
carefully scrutinized the gentleman,
she suspected she was certain, so far as
a back view could identify him, that it
was Mr.. Arlandt. The electric lights
were so clear and penetrating that,
could she get but one glance at his
face. she would be positive. There
must be no shadow of q doubt.
But how do thsp She might hasten
ahead and then turn suddenly around
rs though she had forgotten some-
thing; but an innate delicacy forbade
such bold, nor to say doubtful, eS-
pertinent.
Fortunately for her, just at this mo-
ment the gentleman met friend,
and wheeling, both arm in arm, came
towards her.
1t was Mr. Arlandt.
And as if to doubly assure her, the
friend spoke his name. Hello, Ar
iandt," he said; "going to have good
time Tonight, or to see your girlP"
was the rather dubious inquiry.
Cant go too often or she would
go back on me-" was the reply.
PLENTY of money. ehP"
PLENTY
well then. I advise you to walk
pretty straight, or you'll get left, was
the wholesome monition; IL hope you
don't go there in this condition, old
fellow; and as Alice caught their
breath in passing and glanced at their
glazed eyes, she fully understood what
the condition" was.
mo, indeed; l don't indulge only on
off nights" was the response, ''and
not very much then. Came near losing
my place once on account of it. and
since then been a little careful; but,
you sce," with burst of confidence,
doubtless due to his intoxicated state.
II proposed to>Miss Weldon last night,
and I'm so deuced afraid she'll mtten
me, I'm taking little to brace up.
of course, she isn't the only one I've
got in tow. but she's got the most cash,
and if she accepts me I'll let the other
flicker; I'll doubtless know tomorrow
night"
AS soon as the gentleman Gf this is
not misnome) had passed, Alice
turned quickly and followed them
again, closely enough to overhear their
conversation. She was shocked and
chilled. Could it be possible that her
dear friend, Kate, was receiving the
attentions of such II fellow-a gambler,
drunkard, and quite probably IL liber-
tincp--and that crisis between them
was so imminent? The thought almost
stunned her!
A few steps further the two chums
entered one of the numerous gambling
parlors on the street, and her detective
work could be carried no further. She
now, for the first time, had an almost
benumbing sense of its risky and per-
ilous naturc-on such II street, unat-
tended and following two such charac-
ters!--and she shivered and blanched
with fright as she quickly hailed n
home-going car.
1t would be difficult to portray Alice
Gar.h's state of.mind as she tried to
make herself realize what she had seen
and heard. Sometimes it seemed as
though she must have dreamed it all
it was so startling. But before she had
finished the ride, she was in more
rational frame of mind. She knew
there was no mistake about the matter,
however terrible it appeared, and she
had come to the sober conclusion that
she had duty to perform in the mat
ter-hard and difficult as it might be.
ii must see Kate; must see her to-
night" and. passing her own door,
she rode few blocks further down
the avenue to Mr.. Weldon's.
"Why, Alice Garth" exclaimed
Kate, show glad l am to see you. I've
been so lonely all the evening. But
isn't it late for youP Why how pale